Let the Bidding Begin

The Los Angeles Times reports that the LA Dodgers have already inquired about Cliff Lee. They, like most teams, will be interested in Lee, not only because he is good and has proven to be successful in both leagues and in postseason play, but also because his cost this season will be relatively minimal ($4.5 for a half-season), especially when compared to others on the trading block this season (think Roy Oswalt, for example, who would cost about five times the amount of a Cliff Lee rental because Oswalt’s contract runs through next season as well).

What Will Jack Z Do?

The Mariners expressed to the Dodgers that we are not quite to the point where we are looking to put our guys on the trading block just yet. The Mariners will wait a little while longer to see if the ballclub can work itself back into the race. Interestingly, though, the Dodgers’ early inquiry signals, as expected, that the Mariners have a hot commodity. Every playoff contender can use a stronger rotation, and having a lefty the caliber of Cliff Lee will bolster any pitching staff.

The question is, which team can put the most attractive prospect package together? Will it be Texas, who is known to have one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball? Would the Mariners be willing to rent to an AL West rival a Cy Young winner? Probably. The Mariners won’t trade Lee unless they believe the team is out of it, and if Texas can put an amazing trade package together, why not? Lee will likely test free agency and sign with another team during the offseason anyway, and we won’t need to worry about facing him a half-dozen times next season anyway as a Ranger. This is just speculation of course.

If the Mariners can claw and scratch their way nearer to the top of the AL West, I expect them to hang on to Lee (though I reserve the right to renege on that statement if the right trade presents itself) and let him walk during the offseason. He will be a Type A free agent, and the Mariners will get First Round compensation picks for losing him to free agency in next year’s draft, which would be okay.

Regardless, Mariner fans can count on one thing: whether it be through mid-season trade or receiving First Round compensation picks if Lee opts for free agency after spending the entire season with the Mariners, the Mariners will be in a position to add high talent prospects to their farm system. It will be exciting to listen as the rumor mill continues on, with whispers of teams and their interest in Cliff Lee.